Health Concerns in German Shepherds

German shepherds are among the most handsome breeds in the world, and make wonderful family pets, but those getting German shepherds should know that they sometimes have serious health problems. Buy your puppy from a reputable dealer and ask about health problems in the dog抯 biological family.

Canine hip dysplasia is an abnormality in which the hipbones have an abnormally shallow place where the femur, or thighbone, is supposed to fit. When this happens the joint may be loose and the dog can be lame. Painful arthritis can develop from this malformation. Constipation can also result. Prevention includes feeding only what the dog strictly needs, since overweight can be a contributing factor, providing a well-balanced diet with just the right amount of calcium, and providing moderate exercise such as running and swimming once the dog is an adult. Once dysplasia has been diagnosed, aspirin can keep down inflammation and warmth can help with the pain. Orthopedic surgery is another option.

Elbow dysplasia is a malformation of the front legs, possibly due to abnormal rates of growth. It, too, can cause loose joints and painful arthritis. Treatment consists of aspirin for the inflammation or surgical correction.

Heart diseases can also be a problem. Deformities of the heart valves are sometimes seen, and are treated with surgery to replace the deformed valves. Thickening of the muscles of the heart and irregular rhythms are also serious heart problems.

Gastric bloat or twisting of the stomach is problematic in large breeds with deep chests. For reasons not fully understood, the stomach twists painfully and its contents are trapped. It is a veterinary emergency.

Degenerative myelopathy, or multiple sclerosis of dogs, is a disease in which the immune system attacks the nervous system.

Von Willebrand抯 disease is a deficiency of one of the clotting factors in the blood. Blood platelets, the cells responsible for clotting, cannot work efficiently without all the clotting factors. Dogs with von Willebrand抯 disease bleed easily and should be watched for any signs of trauma or bleeding.

Hemangiosarcoma is a kind of cancer that develops in the blood vessels and spleen. Dogs can show signs such as nosebleeds, fatigue, pale gums, abnormally fast breathing, and swelling of the abdomen. Sometimes if it diagnosed early surgery is possible, but the prognosis is poor.

Eye problems are also common in German shepherds. Cataracts are a clouding of the lens of the eye, which can be removed surgically. Distichiasis refers to eyelashes growing in abnormal places, which can cause irritation. Ectropion refers to eyelids not closing properly, leading to exposure and irritation. Entropion is inward growth of the eyelids, causing the eyelashes to rub against the eye and irritate it. Macroblepharon is an abnormally large skin opening for the eye. Persistent pupillary membranes is a birth defect in which tissue that is supposed to disappear in early puppy hood does not disappear. Progressive retinal atrophy affects the back of the eye where the image from light is projected. Night vision fails at first, and as the disease progresses the dog becomes completely blind.

When looking for a German shepherd, be sure to find a breeder who is in the field to improve the breed, as opposed to one who is running a puppy mill for profit. Going to German shepherd dog shows is one way to meet owners who are concerned about the breed and good health. You can also speak with veterinarians who see a lot of German shepherds to get advice as to where to find a shepherd puppy who is free from genetic disorders.